The 1966 Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback

In 1966, the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane went into service, the final episode of the Dick Van Dyke Show aired, and it was the last year Ford offered the original Mustang Fastback, before the 1967 model year changeover, which featured a slightly revised version. Although the Mustang had a stellar year in sales, the Fastback, which had been wildly popular, experienced a 50-percent decrease in sales over the previous model year. In all, only 35,000 Mustang Fastbacks were produced in 1966, making this model highly sought after by Mustang collectors.

Features

• MUSTANG 2+2 Block Letters on Front Fenders
• Folding Rear Seat
• No Rocker Panels on GT models
• No Side Scoops on GT Mustangs
• Driving Lamps Standard
• New Wheels
• New Grille Pattern
• New Instrument Cluster
• New Gas Cap

For 1966, the Fastback featured a redesigned grille, new instrument cluster, and newly styled wheels. An automatic transmission became available for the “Hi-Po” V8. Side scoops were absent on the GT model, making for a cleaner look while driving lamps were offered as standard equipment. In addition, the GT featured side racing stripes which took the place of chrome rocker panels, giving the vehicle a serious performance racing look.

At the time, Ford touted exterior styling features, of the Fastback, such as a unique roofline with swept back appearance, functional air vents in the roof's rear quarters, and a large rear window integrated into the curvature of the roof's sheet metal. Tinted glass in the rear was standard.

Although other Mustangs in 1966 sported the Mustang Pony emblem directly behind the front wheel wells, the GT Mustang featured a special GT emblem in its place. In addition, the letters “MUSTANG 2+2” were added to the lower front fender on the Fastback. The GT also featured the Hi-Po 289 Emblem, making it easy to spot one of these V-8 classics on the road. 1966 was also the first year Mustang featured standard backup lights.

On the inside, Ford offered a five-dial instrument cluster with fuel, oil pressure, amps, and engine temperature gauges. In addition to a rear folding seat, the Fastback models included door-operated courtesy lights, a large panel mounted ashtray, and a choice of 5 different all-vinyl trims: black, red, blue, aqua, and parchment. 

Production Stats

Standard Fastback: 27,809 units

Luxury Fastback: 7,889 units

Total Production: 35,698 units

Retail Price: $2,607 Standard Fastback

One of the most distinctive features of the 1966 Fastback Mustang is the car’s exit vents which work with the vehicle’s fully-functional silent-flo interior ventilation system.

The car also came with an optional AM/Sterosonic tape system.

Engine Offerings

• Engine Code T: 200 cubic inch I-6 engine @ 120hp w/9.2:1 compression and a one-barrel carburetor
• Engine Code C: 289 cubic inch V-8 engine @ 200hp w/9.3:1 compression and two-barrel carburetor
• Engine Code A: 289 cubic inch V-8 engine @ 225hp w/10.0:1 compression and a four-barrel carburetor
• Engine Code K: 289 cubic inch V-8 engine @ 271hp w/10.5:1 compression and a four-barrel carburetor

Exterior Colors: Antique Bronze, Arcadian Blue, Brittany Blue, Candy Apple Red, Dark Moss Green, Emberglo, Ivy Green Metallic, Light Beige, Maroon Metallic, Medium Palomino Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Nightmist Blue, Raven Black, Sahara Beige, Sauterne Gold, Signalflare Red, Silver Blue, Silver Blue Metallic, Silver Frost, Springtime Yellow, Tahoe Turquoise, Vintage Burgundy, Wimbledon White